LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating P.S. 205, the Alexander Graham
Bell School, upon the occasion of being named a National Blue Ribbon
School by the United States Department of Education

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishment clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of the Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late P.S. 205, the Alexander Graham Bell School, upon the occasion of
being named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Depart-
ment of Education; and
WHEREAS, The Alexander Graham Bell School, P.S. 205, is a Pre-Kinder-
garten through grade five school in District 26, Bayside Queens; the
school has approximately 300 students and 25 teachers including general
education, special education, collaborative team teaching, and a full-
time SETTS teacher; and
WHEREAS, Designation as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United
States Department of Education is indicative of high level school stand-
ards set in pursuit of excellence; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its Principal, Karen Scott-Piaz-
za, P.S. 205 has consistently ranked among the top 10 schools in New
York City; and
WHEREAS, True to its mission to pursue excellence in education for
every student, the Alexander Graham Bell School provides all children
with a quality education through a shared partnership among staff,
parents and students; and
WHEREAS, The teacher teams at P.S. 205 are stakeholders in the educa-
tional process of its students; school capacity building empowers its
teachers to be effective, and supports the school's efforts to building
strong relationships; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, these relationships foster its mission to estab-
lish a culture for learning, ensure high expectations are embedded in
all work habits, and engage all teachers in inquiry-based professional
collaborations that strengthen instructional capacity per grade level;
and
WHEREAS, The students' families at P.S. 205 share this strong belief
in education that hard work and perseverance, coupled with a positive
outlook and teacher support, is the best recipe for their child's
success in school both academically and emotionally; and
WHEREAS, The activities and initiatives at the Alexander Graham Bell
School embody a spirit of sharing and caring for other people both
locally and globally; one of the many school initiatives is the Service
in Schools Program; over the past three years, there has been a growing
involvement with local and global service projects to promote citizen-
ship, stewardship, and environmental awareness and responsibility; and
WHEREAS, As a National Blue Ribbon School, the Alexander Graham Bell
School has been judged to be particularly effective in meeting local,
State, and national educational goals; it has also displayed the quali-
ties of excellence necessary to prepare young people for the challenges
of the 21st Century; and
WHEREAS, National Blue Ribbon School status is awarded to schools
which have demonstrated strong leadership; a clear vision and sense of
mission that is shared by all connected with the school; high quality
teaching; a challenging, up-to-date curriculum; policies and practices

that ensure a safe environment conducive to learning; a solid commitment
to parental involvement; and evidence that the school helps all students
achieve high standards; and
WHEREAS, The Alexander Graham Bell School has continually demonstrated
an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting
enthusiasm for the quality of educational programs and opportunities
offered for the benefit of its faculty and students as well as for the
entire community; and
WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award stands as
a resolute testimony to Alexander Graham Bell School's standards of
excellence, its uncompromising values, unparalleled dedication, and the
special teamwork of its family of students, parents, teachers and admin-
istrators, who share common goals and uncommon expectations; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate P.S. 205, the Alexander Graham Bell School, upon the occa-
sion of being named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States
Department of Education, noting the significance of its accomplishment
and recognizing the role such effective schools play in shaping the
quality of life in their community, State and Nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to P.S. 205, the Alexander Graham Bell School, Bayside, New
York.